Ed Rudberg

Ed Rudberg, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Nucleic Sensing Systems | CEO, CD3 General Benefit Corporation

Dr. Ed Rudberg is a mission-driven executive and environmental innovator with over 20 years of leadership experience across the sustainability and water technology sectors. He currently serves as CEO of Nucleic Sensing Systems, where he leads the development of Tracker—the world’s first autonomous, in-field device for continuous environmental DNA, RNA, and biomolecule monitoring.

He is also the CEO and founder of CD3 General Benefit Corporation, a company pioneering internet-connected boat cleaning infrastructure to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, combining behavioral science, data collection, and scalable technology.

Ed has successfully led multiple organizations from concept to profitability, consistently bridging science, strategy, and innovation. His expertise spans sustainable product development, conservation behavior change, environmental communications, and applied technology.

He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Science and Management from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s in Marine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami.

Craig Beckman

Craig Beckman is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 30 years of experience leading teams, scaling businesses, and transforming organizations in the water technology, industrial systems, and cleantech sectors. From his early days as a sales engineer to his tenure as a CEO, Craig has built a career on integrity, strategic acumen, and a consistent ability to deliver measurable results. He has successfully led high-growth startups, executed complex M&A transactions, managed large global teams, and guided companies through critical transitions and turnarounds.

Currently serving as CEO of Aqua Membranes, Craig has helped position the company as a global innovator in water treatment technology. Under his leadership, Aqua Membranes has closed over $29 million in funding, expanded its intellectual property portfolio by 8x, and achieved an 11x valuation increase from its seed round through Series B. He negotiated a licensing agreement that delivered $4.6 million in pre-production revenue and helped the company earn prestigious accolades such as inclusion in the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 and GWI Breakthrough Technology of 2024. Craig’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in commercializing emerging technologies and building sustainable value.

Before Aqua Membranes, Craig was President and CEO of MIOX, where he spearheaded a 300% increase in revenue, reduced expenses by 32%, and generated a 400% return on equity for investors. His tenure culminated in a successful exit, leading MIOX’s acquisition by Johnson Matthey, where Craig stayed on to guide the integration and develop a long-term growth strategy. His ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments—ranging from global corporates to private equity partners—demonstrates his capacity for leadership under pressure and his talent for balancing strategic vision with tactical execution.

Craig’s broader career includes executive roles at GE Water and Osmonics, where he managed large-scale global sales teams, negotiated licensing and channel partnerships, and consistently outperformed revenue and margin targets. He has a reputation for fostering inclusive, empowered teams and for bringing calm, clarity, and accountability to high-stakes business environments. His leadership philosophy centers around transparency, ethical decision-making, and motivating individuals through recognition and shared purpose.

Craig holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and has completed executive education through GE’s Crotonville Leadership Institute, the Carlson School of Management, and the University of Wisconsin School of Business. In addition to his operating roles, Craig serves as a board advisor and consultant to companies in the cleantech, water treatment, and specialty chemical sectors. His advisory work includes roles with Phase Two Chemicals, Amane Advisors, and Aqua Research, among others.

A respected voice in the industry and a trusted leader across organizations, Craig Beckman combines operational excellence with visionary leadership, making him a valuable asset to any business aiming to scale, evolve, or reinvent itself for the future.

Scott Jauch

Scott Jauch I Condition Assessment Regional Practice Lead, Black & Veatch
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Scott Jauch is the Condition Assessment Regional Practice Lead at Black & Veatch, based in Phoenix, Arizona. With 8 years of experience in the water sector, Scott specializes in the condition assessment and rehabilitation of buried infrastructure, particularly large-diameter water transmission mains. His expertise spans the planning, execution, and management of infrastructure assessment programs across the United States.

Scott currently serves as Vice Chair of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Main Condition Assessment Committee and is Chair of the AWWA Manual of Practice for Condition Assessment of Water Mains revision. His work has advanced industry standards through a combination of technical leadership, innovation, and collaborative project delivery.

Before joining Black & Veatch, Scott held key roles in major condition assessment programs nationwide, including for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Great Lakes Water Authority, and City of Ann Arbor. His project experience includes overseeing field evaluations, performing structural analyses, and delivering actionable insights for long-term asset management strategies.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Water Works Association. He is fluent in English and is based in Black & Veatch’s Phoenix office.

Erin K. Rothman

Climate Scientist | Urban Planner | Entrepreneur
Innovating at the intersection of data, design, and resilience

With over 20 years of experience at the nexus of climate science, urban planning, and entrepreneurship, Erin Rothman has built a career solving some of the most complex environmental and social challenges facing communities today. Her work spans leading-edge research, technology development, and strategy across public and private sectors.

Erin is currently the Managing Director at Manzana City Inc. and Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at Mērak Labs, where she leads multidisciplinary teams focused on resilience analytics, flood risk mapping, water quality, and climate adaptation. Her leadership is marked by the integration of smart sensor networks, advanced data analytics, and nature-based infrastructure planning to support climate-resilient communities across North America.

Previously, Erin was the founder and CEO of StormSensor, Inc., a climate tech company that revolutionized how cities monitor and respond to stormwater and coastal systems. There, she led innovation across product development, fundraising, strategy, and governance, raising $16M in investment and scaling a national presence.

Earlier in her career, Erin served as a Principal Scientist and Managing Principal at leading environmental consultancies including SLR Consulting, SoundEarth Strategies, and Rothman & Associates. She has advised city governments, developers, and nonprofits on environmental remediation, regulatory compliance, and sustainable redevelopment, bringing a unique blend of scientific insight and strategic oversight.

Erin holds an MSc in Natural Resources and Wetland Ecology from The Ohio State University and a BA in Technical and Scientific Communication from Miami University. She is known for translating complex data into actionable, equitable solutions—bridging ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities for long-term impact.

Matt Boczkowski

Matt Boczkowski has a diverse work experience in various industries and roles. Matt is currently the CEO of Aquaporin A/S, a company focused on water filtration through biotechnology. Before that, he held multiple roles at SUEZ, including Vice President Industrial Strategy, Growth, Market Development, and Global Director of Marketing and Growth Initiatives. Matt also worked at GE Water & Process Technologies, where he served as a Market Leader and Key Account Executive – Oil & Gas, Senior Business Development Manager, and Sales and Marketing Manager. Earlier in his career, Matt worked at Air Liquide as a Project Engineer and GEA Group as a Field Service Engineer – Biofuels. Matt started his career at Pall Corporation as an Applications Specialist – Pharma and F&B.

Matt Boczkowski’s education history includes several academic achievements in various fields. In 2001, he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University. Moving forward, Matt pursued his passion for Chemical Engineering and completed his Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) degree from McGill University in 2006.

In 2008, Matt furthered his education by pursuing an MBA degree in Strategy and Marketing from HEC Montréal, which he completed in 2009. That same year, Matt also acquired a Certificate in Energy Management from Hydro-Québec, specializing in Renewable Energy.

In 2017, Matt attended Crotonville Alumni, where he earned a certificate in the Manager Development Course, focusing on Organizational Leadership. Finally, in 2019, he enrolled in the IESE Business School and successfully completed a Certificate program in Executive Leadership, emphasizing Business Administration and Management.

Throughout his education journey, Matt has consistently expanded their knowledge and expertise across diverse domains, including Microbiology, Engineering, Marketing, Energy Management, Leadership, and Business Administration.

Brian Richter

Brian Richter
President, Sustainable Waters | Adjunct Professor, University of Virginia

Brian Richter is a globally recognized authority on water science and conservation, with over 30 years of experience advancing sustainable water management practices. He is the President of Sustainable Waters, an international education and advisory organization that supports communities, governments, and industries in addressing water scarcity and promoting responsible water use. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Virginia, where he teaches upper-level courses on water sustainability and mentors graduate research.

Previously, Brian spent three decades with The Nature Conservancy, where he led the Global Water Program and directed high-impact freshwater initiatives spanning the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. He has worked on more than 170 river and water projects across six continents and regularly advises major global corporations, investment banks, and international organizations such as the United Nations.

Brian has developed foundational tools for hydrologic analysis and ecosystem restoration, including the widely used Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) software. His scientific publications place him in the top 10% of researchers worldwide by impact, and his thought leadership has been featured in global media, including a BBC documentary with Sir David Attenborough.

He is the co-author of Rivers for Life: Managing Water for People and Nature, and the author of Chasing Water: A Guide for Moving from Scarcity to Sustainability, now available in six languages.

Jack Schmidt

Jack Schmidt is a Professor at Utah State University and Director of the Center for Colorado River Studies within the Quinney College of Natural Resources. With nearly four decades of experience, he is a leading expert in river science, focusing primarily on the Colorado River, its tributaries, and the Grand Canyon. His research explores the complex relationship between ecosystem health and the impacts of dams, reservoirs, and water diversions.

A former chief of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, Dr. Schmidt has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of river management in the American Southwest. Under his leadership, the Center for Colorado River Studies advances innovative research, education, and outreach to support informed decision-making and sustainable management of major river systems.

To learn more about Jack and his work, please visit: https://www.colorado.edu/center/gwc/john-jack-schmidt.

Anne Castle

Anne Castle is a senior fellow at the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment at the University of Colorado Law School, focusing on western water issues, including Colorado River policy and Tribal water rights.  Castle was appointed by President Biden in 2022 as the U.S. Commissioner and Chair of the Upper Colorado River Commission, a position she held until January 2025.  She is a founding member of the Water Policy Group.

From 2009 to 2014, Castle was the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the U.S. Department of the Interior where she oversaw water and science policy for the Department and had responsibility for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey.  While at Interior, Castle spearheaded the Department’s WaterSMART program, which provides federal leadership and funding to support sustainable water supplies, and launched the federal Open Water Data Initiative.

Castle practiced water law for 28 years in Denver, Colorado with the Rocky Mountain based law firm of Holland & Hart LLP.  She chaired the law firm’s management committee and its natural resources law department. She currently serves on the boards of the Colorado Water Trust, Colorado Legal Services, and Stanford University’s Water in the West program. She is the co-founder of and senior advisor to the nationwide initiative on Universal Access to Clean Water in Tribal Communities.

James Roberts

Founder & CEO | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

James Roberts is the Founder and CEO of WaiHome, a company dedicated to modernizing backyard wastewater treatment. Under his leadership, WaiHome focuses on passive, aboveground treatment systems that are easy to install and provide high-quality, reusable effluent—helping homeowners create sustainable outdoor spaces. Learn more at www.waihome.com.

WaiHome LLC
Principal Investigator (Aug 2021 – Present | 3+ years)

Limtiaco Consulting Group
Staff Engineer (Sep 2020 – Jul 2021 | 11 months)

The University of British Columbia
M.A.Sc. Researcher & Academic Consultant (Sep 2016 – Jul 2019 | 3 years)

Additional Engineering & Research Roles

Connect on LinkedIn: James Roberts

 Nathaniel Banks

Nathaniel Banks
Co-founder & CTO, PolyGone Systems | Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellow

Nathaniel is a pioneering innovator in environmental technology, specializing in microplastic monitoring and filtration solutions. As the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of PolyGone Systems, he leads the company’s engineering, research, and product development, driving advancements in sustainable water treatment solutions. His expertise in design, prototyping, and engineering spans over a decade, having worked with some of the world’s most renowned design offices and institutions.

Under Nathaniel’s leadership, PolyGone Systems has secured approximately $2.8 million in funding from federal agencies such as NOAA and the NSF, state organizations including NJCSIT and NJEDA, and private venture capital investors. His work has positioned PolyGone as a leader in cutting-edge environmental solutions, with several large-scale pilot projects, including:

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority Wastewater Treatment Pilot (Under Construction)

The West County Wastewater District Treatment Pilot (Detailed Design Phase)

The IISD Experimental Lakes Area Microplastic Monitoring Station (Completed 2023)

Nathaniel’s passion for sustainability and technological innovation is rooted in his architectural and environmental design background. He holds a Master’s in Architecture from Princeton University, where his thesis project, Plastic Plastic, proposed groundbreaking systems for plastic recycling and microplastic collection—earning Best Presentation at the 2021 Princeton Research Day Awards. He also completed his Bachelor’s in Architecture at Syracuse University, where he received the James A. Britton Award for Faculty Favorite Thesis for his work on adaptive building systems. His academic pursuits also led him to University College London, where he studied urban geography and circular development models.

Beyond his technical contributions, Nathaniel is a recognized thought leader in clean technology. He has been invited as a keynote speaker and panelist at numerous prestigious conferences, including:

US-China Cleantech Trade Delegation (2023) – Delivered keynote presentations to government officials and industry leaders across Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Guangzhou, and Changzhou.

World Water-Tech North America Showcase (2023) – Presented PolyGone’s innovations to an audience of water utility managers and technology suppliers.

California Water Board Subcommittee on Microplastics (2023) – Shared findings from PolyGone’s research on microplastic pollution.

TMA Blu-Tech Blue Week Conference (2023) – Panelist alongside California water authorities and industry experts.

Circular City Week NYC (2022) – Presented microplastic research and pilot studies.

Nathaniel’s contributions to clean technology have earned him widespread recognition, including being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellow in Social Impact (2024), winning the World Water-Tech Startup Competition (2023), and securing finalist spots in prestigious competitions like the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge and Harvard Business School Startup Showcase.

He is also a named inventor on multiple patents pending, including:

Method, Apparatus, and System for Aquatic Microplastic Removal (2021)

Aquatic Microplastics Removal Apparatus (2023)

Modular Floatation System (2023)

With a relentless focus on innovation, environmental impact, and scalable solutions, Nathaniel Banks continues to drive the future of water technology and sustainability.

Website: http://www.polygonesystems.com
Email: [email protected]